Mosaic Mennonites

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Small Gathering, Big Ideas

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by Mike Spinelli

A youth pastor once told me he looked forward to youth meetings no matter how many kids showed up. “When you throw a party, you dance with those who come!” 

A group of three gathered at West Swamp Mennonite (Quakertown, PA) for the in-person Faith and Life gathering in December. We missed having others, but our time together was full as we learned more about one another and how we each heard the message of Acts 15. 

The passage describes a vigorous debate on the issue of circumcision and its relationship to the gospel. We could sense how this issue could derail the church and needed to be worked out. We shared some common questions: What was true of those believers that allowed them to have a spirited conversation? What did those of the circumcision group do in light of the outcome? Could we see ourselves coming together for such a debate?   

This pointed out a clear growth area for us. Our tendency as Mennonites is to avoid or mute conflicts. It seemed to us that it is easier to value the appearance of peace rather than learn to “fight fair” with one another. This made me think of how my wife and I keep learning to “fight fair,” a skill that takes time to develop.   

While the church’s debate led to a helpful outcome, the chapter ends with Paul and Barnabas deciding to go separate ways after a similarly vigorous discussion.  Both had an impulse to build up others; Paul wanted to build up the churches while Barnabas saw the need to build up John Mark. We never sense that Paul or Barnabas avoid or vilify each other in this process. They still parted in the end. 

This had us thinking, again, that we should not be conflict-avoidant, even if the outcome is uncertain. Working through conflict is what leads to true peace. I certainly wish Paul and Barnabas could have worked it out, but they did work at it. 

We also saw that good conflict can be aided by good discernment. What beliefs can we hold lightly, and which ones define where we draw the line? It appears that Paul and Barnabas had different priorities, which each owned. Their points of view were also true to their nature–Paul the evangelist and Barnabas the encourager.   

I concluded that issues do not complicate conflicts as much as personal perspectives and the willingness to engage with others. It takes trust to share one’s point of view and humility to hold it loosely alongside competing ideas. As we reflected on the needed combination of trust and humility, I wondered what more can be done to build the necessary trust to “fight fair?” 

I trust those gathered that day left with similar (or better) insights that will help them in their ministry and relationships. It might have been a small group, but it yielded some big ideas for our shared future. 

Mike Spinelli

Mike Spinelli is pastor of Perkiomenville (PA) Mennonite. When not engaged in pastoral duties, Mike likes to read, hike, and enjoy the outdoors.  A native of California, he can root for the Philly sports teams as long as they are not playing the 49ers or baseball Giants.

Happy 5th Birthday, Mosaic Mennonite Conference!

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by Angela Moyer Walter

Mosaic Mennonite Conference turns five on February 1, 2025. It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since Mosaic Conference began. Looking back, I see how faithful God has been in our shared journey. We have: 

  • supported one another through the COVID pandemic and social and political unrest 
  • held our first two Mosaic Assemblies virtually 
  • expanded our trust and relational networks both in person and over zoom  
  • created a name, vision, and mission, and have been living into them 
  • credentialed over 40 women and men 
  • launched the intercultural and Conference-Related Ministry committees and expanded the breadth and depth of all our committees to reflect our mosaic 
  • created a strategic plan 
  • discerned altering our relationship with MC USA 
  • celebrated and lamented the comings and goings of several congregations 
  • launched Mosaic Institute and then the Vibrant Mosaic cohorts  

We could go on…God is at work among us. Life in Mosaic Conference has been challenging, often wildly surprising, and deeply meaningful. 

The delegates at the November 2019 Assembly voted unanimously to reconcile. On February 1, 2020, Eastern District Conference and Franconia Conference began to operate as one, reconciled conference. Shortly thereafter, the COVID pandemic hit.  

For four months, MennoniteConferenceX was the URL for our website before our new name was announced at our virtual Pentecost worship on May 31, 2020. The name “Mosaic” was a clear favorite that emerged out of a year-long process that included two rounds of focus groups. It was recognized then as it is now that the name is both descriptive and visionary; we recognize the ongoing work needed to represent it authentically.   

Then, and now, we ask: What does it mean to be God’s mosaic together? We are all called to “embody the reconciling love of Jesus in our beautiful and broken world” (Mosaic’s vision statement). Jesus is our center. We are working now to articulate this more fully through a centered-set perspective, focusing on Jesus as our center more than our boundaries and individual expressions of faith.  

Our formational, intercultural, and missional priorities keep us focused and moving forward in our mission to be the church together in our communities and the world. Our antiracism and intercultural work keep us honest about our biases and the inequities and power dynamics among us. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit has been at work in it all.  

By being in relationship—eating, praying, singing, serving, and loving together—we have been mutually transformed. We are not the same as when we started five years ago. To God be the glory for shaping us into the people God has called us to be.  

I’m reminded of the diversity of Jesus’ disciples—fishermen, zealots, tax collectors, among others—each with differing views of God’s Kingdom. Though they disagreed and went separate ways, the church still grew and flourished.  

The disciples never had it all figured out. Peter denied Jesus during Jesus’ trial and yet was reinstated to “feed my sheep” (John 21). I’m curious if all the disciples agreed with Jesus on that decision. But agreeing on everything was never Jesus’ goal. His goal was for them to believe that he was the Messiah and for them to know that God’s Kingdom had come.  

And so it is for us in Mosaic. We have never, nor will we ever, agree on everything about Jesus and scripture, and yet, we have experienced the Spirit’s transformative power. We acknowledge our differences and recognize that Jesus calls us to love one another—not only our loved ones but also our enemies. Jesus’ reconciling love unites us.  

In this new year, let’s be curious, listen well, seek understanding rather than uniformity, and create space for the Spirit to do its surprising work. This is part of our missional work, seeking to become the church that the world longs for.  

To celebrate our five years, I warmly invite you to join a Mosaic prayer group, join a Conference committee, share a meal, sit in silence with God, and worship together. Watch for ways to contribute to the upcoming cookbook, listen to an upcoming podcast, participate in a peace circle, learn about transforming conflicts, join a Vibrant Mosaic cohort, and, of course, read your Mosaic News! Happy fifth birthday, Mosaic Mennonites! 

Angela Moyer Walter

Angela Moyer Walter is Moderator of Mosaic Conference, Co-pastor at Ripple Church in Allentown, PA, and an occupational therapist at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation. She enjoys long summer evenings with family and friends and watching the Philadelphia Phillies.

Beloved Community

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by Hendy Matahelemual

ChiChi Oguekwe, Program Coordinator for MCC East Coast hosted the Service Day event.

The Kingdom Builders Network of Philadelphia and Mennonite Central Committee East Coast collaborated for a Service Day event on Monday, January 20, 2025, to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with the theme “Restoring Hope and Dignity.” 

Despite the cold weather and heavy snow in Philadelphia, the enthusiasm of volunteers from all parts of the city and its suburbs remained high. There were around 100 attendees, including representatives from at least five Mosaic Conference congregations. 

Volunteers took turns creating a mosaic painting of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., guided by mural artist John Lewis.

One of the traditions during this Service Day is preparing 500 care packages containing daily personal care items such as soap, shampoo, towels, and more, to be shared with persons who are incarcerated. 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned a “Beloved Community,” where, as followers of Jesus, we strive to implement this vision beyond mere rhetoric. A panel discussion invited experts working with immigrant communities to inspire and collaborate on finding solutions to make this Beloved Community a reality. 

The volunteers prepared care kits containing daily personal care items to be sent to prisons.
The volunteers prepared care kits containing daily personal care items to be sent to prisons.
Volunteers carried boxes filled with care kits to the van to be delivered to prisons.

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, became a striking irony. Dr. King was known for advocating justice, equality, and inclusion, whereas Trump’s policies, such as mass deportation and immigration restrictions, are often seen as contrary to these values. 

Amid the threat of deportations, daily life continues, serving as a reminder that the “Beloved Community” begins with our care for others, especially those in need. The growing immigrant population in Philadelphia has enriched the city but also revealed underlying tensions and misunderstandings. 

A panel discussion with speakers (left to right: Pastor Hendy Matahelemual [moderator], Hani White [Board of Indonesian Diaspora Philadelphia], Thoai Nguyen [CEO of SEAMAAC], and Blanca Pacheco [Co-Director of New Sanctuary Movement Philadelphia]) discussing how to implement the Beloved Community amidst the challenges immigrants face today.

In response to these challenges, Thoai Nguyen, CEO of SEAMAAC (Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition), stated that if we all took the time to understand our origins and ancestry, we would be more sensitive to differences in others.This understanding is the first step toward building a compassionate community. 

Blanca Pacheco, Co-Director of the Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia, also urged for political pressure through peaceful rallies or demonstrations to ensure that the city government upholds its status as a “sanctuary city.” 

The call to support local immigrant-owned businesses was also mentioned. “Instead of buying desserts from Walmart or Costco, I prefer to buy from local vendors. It may be a bit inconvenient, but it supports small businesses owned by immigrants,” said Hani White, a board member of the Indonesian Diaspora in Philadelphia, during the panel discussion. 

“Love one another as I have loved you,” (John 13:34) reminds us that love for one another is the foundation of the community we should build together. 

While the weather on the East Coast is freezing, there are forest fires and destruction in the northern part of Los Angeles. Our solidarity must cross regional boundaries and societal layers, from undocumented immigrants to the wealthy, in hopes of achieving social justice within this Beloved Community. 

When American Exceptionalism rhetoric is at play, as a Beloved Community, we must consciously be aware of what is happening in other parts of the world. One way to do this is by learning, reading, traveling to other parts of the world, and gaining knowledge. Only then can we avoid being self-centered and begin acting locally while thinking globally. 

May the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to create the Beloved Community come true in the coming years. This is our responsibility as followers of Jesus. May God’s peace be with us all. 

Hendy Matahelemual

Hendy Matahelemual is the Associate Minister for Community Engagement for Mosaic Conference. Hendy Matahelemual was born and grew up in the city of Bandung, Indonesia. Hendy lives in Philadelphia with his wife Marina and their three boys, Judah, Levi and Asher.

Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant of God

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by Gerald Benner

EDITOR’S NOTE: Paul Long, 86, of Ambler, PA transitioned to his new home in heaven on Jan.14, 2025 at Souderton Mennonite Homes. Read his obituary. A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 26, from 1-3:30 pm at Souderton Mennonite Homes, 207 W. Summit Street, Souderton, PA 18964, followed by a funeral service at 3:30 pm. A private burial will take place at Salford Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Liberty Ministries, P.O. Box 87, Schwenksville, PA 19473. 

Paul Long will be remembered at Ambler (PA) Mennonite (AMC) as a servant leader. While he never held an official office in our congregation, his love for Jesus served as a leader’s example for us to follow and his love for others showed the servant mind of Christ.   

Paul was devoted to family, community, and church. In addition to their family of four boys, Paul and Esther’s home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay. When a family lost their house in a fire, they stayed at the Longs’ home for weeks until they could recover. Many others found a home there, whether for days or several years. 

Paul and Esther were well-known in the Ambler community as people who cared deeply for others. Whether it was a listening ear, a hot meal, transportation, or spiritual counsel, Paul was there to help. Paul made so many friends that if you asked around in Ambler the name of the pastor at AMC, many would have said Paul Long.  

Paul and Esther Long at Camp Hebron, where they led many senior retreats. 

Paul and Esther moved to Ambler as sincere young mission workers in the 1950s. As newlyweds, their apartment functioned as a house church for seven years before the congregation moved to a new building on the corner of Mount Pleasant and North Spring Garden Street in 1962, where it is located today.  

Paul was very active in church life – preaching, worship leader, song leader, youth leader, Vacation Bible School superintendent, Christmas caroling organizer, Bible studies, and always a friend to those in need. After the death of his wife, Paul continued to attend AMC, sharing his faith and friendship, and allowing the congregation to care for him as he had cared for so many others during his lifetime.  

Paul was the director of Vacation Bible School at Ambler Mennonite for many years. 

One of Paul’s passions was for those incarcerated in prison. He took seriously Christ’s words, “I was in prison, and you visited me.” (Matt. 25:36) He was a licensed Prison Chaplain under the Conference-Related Ministry Liberty Ministries (Schwenksville, PA) and went into prisons to conduct Bible studies, preach, and counsel inmates. Paul cared for hundreds of men who had been imprisoned, and many came to Christ through him. Friendships made during these visits existed to the end of Paul’s life.  

Ambler Mennonite would not be what it is today were it not for the quiet leadership of Paul for over 65 years, both in church life and in the community. “Well done, Paul, good and faithful servant of God.” (Matt. 25:23)  

Paul spent most of his adult life sharing hope and good news with men in prison.

Gerald Benner

Gerald Benner is part of the Ambler (PA) Mennonite Ministry Team, is a retired faculty member of Dock Mennonite Academy, and is a lifelong friend of the Long and Cassel families.

Introducing Oasis, An Expanded Nations and Generations Gathering

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by Danilo Sanchez

On Nov 1, 2024, the Mosaic Conference Intercultural team hosted the annual Renewing Nations and Generations gathering for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) leaders within the conference. As in past years, it was a joyous event where leaders could network, enjoy fellowship, and be equipped for their roles. We were honored to have Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards as our keynote speaker, who shared wisdom from his book Might from the Margins. 

The Conference-Related Ministry the Mennonite Heritage Center opened its doors to us and Executive Director Joel Horst Nofziger shared some Anabaptist history and highlighted the changing realities of Anabaptism. Participants were invited to explore the exhibit hall and visit the archives. Nofziger encouraged us to add artifacts from our congregations so that the stories of Anabaptism told at the center would include ours too. 

Dr. Rashard Allen, of Neffsville (Lancaster, PA) Mennonite, led us in Spirit-filled worship that incorporated our various languages. Dr. Edwards inspired us to live boldly as diaspora people. Our bellies were happily filled with delicious Ethiopian food provided by the Horst Nofziger family. The night ended with a Spirit-led time of prayer. 

The Origins of Renewing Nations and Generations 

When Renewing Nations and Generations was formed in 2018, the number of BIPOC leaders with Mosaic was small. The gathering was created to carve out space from the dominant culture and discuss issues we were facing in our churches. We had aspirational goals of training the next generation of leaders and to work at belonging in the conference.  

Our conversations and goals were not coming from a mindset of “us vs. them,” and yet we recognized that we all have biases, and those biases can do harm when we live and worship together as a conference. The gathering was a place where we felt connected and less alone, didn’t have to monitor our bodies or the volume of our voices, and could speak freely in our native language without constant explanations. 

Meeting the Needs of Mosaic Leaders Today 

Today, BIPOC leaders make up a larger percent of the leaders within Mosaic, but there is still a need to network, build relationships, and be equipped. While Mosaic has grown in its intercultural capacity, there is still more to learn and develop. 

As our group looks to the future, the Intercultural team is pleased to have this BIPOC gathering be a key part of Vibrant Mosaic. Thanks to the Lily Endowment Inc., the Showalter Foundation, and Everence, this evening event has been expanded to a 2.5-day conference that will support our BIPOC leaders within Mosaic.  

The expanded conference will take place every other year and has been renamed OASIS, inspired by John 4:14, reminding us that Jesus is our Living Water and in him we will never go thirsty. The first OASIS will take place in Tampa, FL from May 29 to June 1, 2025.  

Danilo Sanchez

Danilo Sanchez is the Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation for Mosaic Conference. Danilo Sanchez lives in Allentown with his wife Mary and two daughters. He is a pastor at Ripple and leads in the areas of leadership development, discipleship, and teaching.

Resplandece Celebrates Its First Anniversary

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by Noel Santiago

Resplandece Mennonite Church celebrated its first anniversary in the same way it gathers each week: in a hybrid format.  

Over 30 people joined virtually and in person to recognize, celebrate, and give glory to God for a year of ministry in Florida, Colombia, and Venezuela. 

Participants in Pembroke Pines, FL
Participants on Zoom.

Through videos, Zoom, and in-person participation, members shared what Resplandece means to them. From being a place of belonging to a refuge, Resplandece has created a space where members can be present with one another in God’s presence. 

A brief review of the year included ministry events such as seminars, workshops, and children’s ministry, where activities, food, and gifts were shared. 

The name “Resplandece” comes from Isaiah 60:1, where God’s light shines on those who are called by Him. Resplandece has witnessed how God multiplies what has been given beyond what has been imagined. 

Pastor Manuel shared a message reminding those present to reflect on their journey throughout the year: what went well and what needs improvement. He shared, saying, “One area that always needs improvement is our pursuit of God through His word.” 

Reflecting on childhood fears, Pastor Manuel shared how God’s word brings encouragement, strength, and comfort. Similarly, we can trust in God and His word to encourage, strengthen, and comfort us in the future, just as God has been faithful in the past. 

No celebration would be complete without delicious food. While those present in Florida shared a meal together, the virtual participants celebrated with their own meals. 

May God continue to guide and light the path of Resplandece, so that others may see His light and find the King who is with the Father and lives in each of us. 

Noel Santiago

Noel Santiago is the Leadership Minister for Missional Transformation for Mosaic Conference.

Wildfires Impact Southern California Mosaic Congregations

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by Jennifer Svetlik

The fires in the Los Angeles, CA area have caused widespread destruction and loss of life since they began over a week ago, including damage to some Anabaptist congregations and members’ properties.  

There are five southern California Mosaic Conference member congregations and around a dozen credentialed pastors in the region. Families from Jemaat Kristen Indonesian Anugerah (JKIA) (Sierra Madre, CA) and International Worship Center (San Gabriel, CA) have both been affected by the evacuations related to the Eaton fire that has devastated parts of Altadena and Pasadena, east of LA. 

At this time, only one pastor remains evacuated, and one family from within a member congregation has reported that their home has been destroyed.  

Video provided by Virgo Handojo.

“In the face of loss, displacement, and struggle, please pray for comfort, resilience, and strength for those affected by Eaton Fire, and support our LA communities through donations, volunteering, and simply being present for us,” encouraged Virgo Handojo, Pastor of JKIA. 

In response to the fire, JKIA has launched three initiatives: Providing resource information on evacuation centers, access to clean water, shelters, FEMA registration, and insurance claim workshops; Raising donations within the congregation and the public to support those affected by the fire; and recruiting and organizing community volunteers to offer hands-on assistance and support. 

Mennonite Disaster Service and Mennonite Church USA have both been in contact with Mosaic Conference leadership to assess needs. Those who wish to contribute financially to disaster response can do so through Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS). 

“Mosaic Conference staff have been in regular contact with our pastors in the LA area to assess needs and responses,” said Stephen Kriss, Executive Minister of Mosaic Conference. “We will work through our member communities, sibling Anabaptist communities, and MDS to facilitate any further responses. We are grateful for the concern for our members in the face of these horrendous fires and the expressions of solidarity that have come from within Mosaic, and from MDS and Mennonite Church USA.” 

Mosaic Conference Leadership has also had contact with Pacific Southwest Conference Minister Stanley Greene to offer support. A few households within Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference have lost their homes.  

About ten percent of Mosaic member congregations are in California. 

“My heart has been shattered by the sights and stories of windstorm and wildfire in the megacity that God has led me to love deeply and to call home for most of my adult life,” shared Jeff Wright, Mosaic Conference Leadership Minister for several California congregations, who is also currently serving as pastor of Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite but has lived in California for nearly 40 years and maintains a home in the area.  

“I’m also aware that Mennonites, who have worshipped and witnessed in Southern California for over 120 years have, in every generation, faced environmental catastrophes and social crises.” 

He continued, “In previous times of disaster, God united the local Mennonite community, diverse in ethnic identity, economic status, and theological priorities, to act together in love for one another and their neighbors. This latest ecological and public calamity will require a similar commitment to work together across conference, denominational, and agency lines. Calamity does not last, serving in crisis does.” 

Jennifer Svetlik

Jennifer is Editor & Development Coordinator for Mosaic. She grew up near Houston, TX and spent a decade living in intentional community in Washington DC, before moving to Lansdale, PA. She serves as Children’s Faith Formation Director at Salford Mennonite (Harleysville, PA).

500 Years of an Anabaptism that Continues to Emerge

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by Stephen Kriss

For my 50th birthday, I traveled to Europe to explore my biological family heritage in Slovakia and my spiritual family history in Switzerland and Germany. I began in the Carpathian Mountains where my great-grandparents had lived, discovering family names in cemeteries and noticing the similarities between the landscape and that of the Alleghenies of Western Pennsylvania, where my family later settled. This journey deepened my sense of connection and left some unanswered questions about my familial story, especially about whether, amid a predominantly Catholic family, I might also have Ashkenazi Jewish roots. 

The second part of my trip was a three-day immersion in Anabaptist/Mennonite history with John L. Ruth (Salford [PA] congregation). We visited key locations in Zurich, explored an archive to see a letter written by Conrad Grebel, and traveled to Germany. I saw the family heritage locations for the Landis, Groff, and Alderfer clans who are part of our Mosaic settler families from colonial days. It was a privilege to travel with John, who is now in his 90s, and hear his stories and enthusiasm. 

Stephen Kriss and John L. Ruth in Germany. Photo by Stephen Kriss.

John, his friend Peter Schmid, and I hiked to one of the Anabaptist caves where early members of the movement gathered clandestinely. Peter is part of the movement to stir conversation and confession between Anabaptists and his community, the Swiss Reformed. More than the spiritual significance of the cave, I remember praying together, and Peter gently guiding John as we walked the precarious wooded trail on a rainy morning, possibly the last of John’s many pilgrimages to that spot. 

The Anabaptist plaque on the Limmat River in Zurich, Switzerland marks the spot where Felix Manz and other Anabaptists were drowned for their faith. Photo by Stephen Kriss.

As the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism approaches next week, I am reflecting on that European pilgrimage trip. Anabaptism was opened to me as a child through a Mennonite church in a mining town in the Allegheny Mountains. I have remained Anabaptist not because of right theology but because of relationships centered in Jesus, in all their brokenness and beauty. 

My academic training teaches me to approach belief with humility and openness. I have come to hold my own Anabaptism both lightly and seriously. I acknowledge the beauty and brokenness that exists within the breadth of Christian traditions including our own. I also have experienced that of God in settings beyond the framework of the church. 

I recognize that after the heroism of the first generations of Anabaptists, the movement institutionalized, became biologically bound in some settings, and was captive to many of modernity’s traps. I acknowledge that our practiced humility is sometimes the flip side of our arrogance. 

This year, as we honor Anabaptism’s beginnings, I am aware that some of us who have been Mennonite all our lives still wonder if it’s our story or how we belong in it. It can be hard to live within and alongside the margins of a 500-year legacy. Sometimes Anabaptism’s exacting and perfecting process can create implicit and explicit boundaries that are difficult to navigate as we seek to faithfully follow Jesus. 

Yet I’ve come to know that Anabaptism is always a plurality. It’s localized, contextualized, and personalized. It’s quirky and brave. At its best, it is both deeply personal and fully communal. It’s a balance of the Bible, the people, and the Spirit (though the work of the Spirit has sometimes not been considered enough).  

In this time which historian Phyllis Tickle has called another great reformation in the church, Anabaptists have an opportunity to honestly and humbly examine our past and imagine our future. What confessions should we be ready to offer in the midst of our celebration? In what ways does active repentance alter our trajectory? How can we embody the reconciling love of Jesus and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit while interacting with our neighbors in a global and local age? 

We will need to again be brave, full of both conviction and humility, repenting from that which has distracted us from the centrality of Jesus. We will need to remain open to the Anabaptisms that continue to emerge, ready to be led by the Spirit into faithfulness and change, binding and loosing, giving and receiving, hoping and working, broken and beautiful. 

Kriss family relatives in a cemetery in Spišské Podhradie Slovakia. Photo by Stephen Kriss.

Stephen Kriss

Stephen Kriss is the Executive Minister of Mosaic Conference.